Acceleration Times & Test Conditions

Racing over the water. This pocket rocket proved it can run offshore with the big boys in 3-4 footers.

A view of the engine. The optional MerCruiser 496 MAG got us a top speed of 62.4 mph. Note the interior fiberglass liner in the engine compartment for a clean look.

High speed fun.

Check out the colorful design.

Captain's Report

Baja 23 OutlawEven though she’s only 23 feet, thanks to her deep deadrise this Outlaw can handle the rough stuff. What’s most impressive is that this boat has many of the features and styling of full-on offshore performance boats, but in a compact, entry-level size.Transom and Engine FeaturesOur test boat came equipped with the standard three-rung swim ladder and optional high-grade aluminum platform. And even though this Outlaw is a high performance machine, she’s also a sportboat with a stainless steel ski tow eye for towing a line.Just forward of that, is a plush sunpad for two. The thick head rests along the aft bench seat are your first hint that this is a real offshore boat.To access the engine there is a manual lift and release to effortlessly raise the entire sunpad with one hand. This is thanks to a pair of Attwood struts. In the belly of this beast we find the optional 375-hp MerCruiser 496 power plant, and this particular rig was set up with the optional Corsa Quick & Quiet II Thru Hull Exhaust, which routes exhaust out through the transom instead of underwater. This will give a little more top end speed, and a lot more attention when people hear you coming. The engine compartment is lined with a fully bonded fiberglass inner liner providing a cleaner, more finished look.Sporty Helm and CockpitThe cockpit features an aft bench that can seat three adults and it has hinged storage underneath. The outboard passengers have stainless steel grab rails to hold onto, but the passenger in the middle will have to rely on those around him for security.At the helm is another reminder that you’re on a real high-performance boat. The helm features two Aero seats with drop-down bolsters for easy stand-up driving. There is a full set of oil-filled Livorsi gauges, along with a high-performance clutch and throttle. The trim switch for the beefy Bravo One drive is built right in the handle, and we also appreciate the LED gauges for trim tab angles.The 23 Outlaw is designed for easy sit-down driving when you want to get out of the onrushing wind, thanks to tilt-wheel steering with satin finish spokes and aforementioned drop-down seats. Over to port, your navigator gets to control the Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo, and there’s also a small self draining locker and 12 volt outlet for your cell phone. Access to the foredeck is gained by small molded-in steps. There is no non-skid up forward, so you’ll want to use extra caution if the deck is wet. CabinLike all Outlaws’ the 23 also has a V-berth cabin. This one will be primarily used for storage since its compact without ventilation, but it can be used for changing or a cat nap on the hook.Specification and PerformanceThe 23 Outlaw measures 23’ 6’’ length overall and stretches to 24’ 8’’ with the optional swim platform. The 23 degree deadrise hull will draw 34 inches of water and sports a 80 gallon fuel tank. The 23 weighs 4,200 pounds, but with an 8’4” beam is trailerable by most SUVs. Off the waters of the Florida, we recorded a top end speed of 62.4 mph at a 4800 rpm wide-open-throttle from a 375-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag. Throttle back to 3500 and you’re still doing more than 40 mph for a cruising range of nearly 200 miles at that speed. We calculated a most economical cruise speed at 2500 rpm doing 27.8mph.Cornering was precise, she never spun out or cavitated during turns, and the power steering was finger-tip light.You can take the 23 Outlaw to the ocean, sound, or the lake but it better be a big lake because of her speed. With great graphics, comfortable seating, and speed the Outlaw 23 is a great way to enter high-performance boating.

Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Baja 23 Outlaw is 27.8 mph (44.7 kph), and the boat gets 3.48 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.48 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 250 miles (402.34 kilometers).